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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

First thoughts on a new MLS system

There will be a new MLS system in place beginning next Monday. Actually, all new activity in the current MLS system will be suspended on Thursday in preparation for a weekend conversion to the new system.

I spent a little bit of time test driving the new system this morning; it's going to be quite a change. Although it's radically different from the current system, at its core it isn't all that different at all. Here are some of the things that jumped out at me right away.

The single biggest difference between the two systems is the access to, and ability to manipulate, data. Our MLS system contains millions of pieces of information. However, it hasn't always been easy, or even possible, to find a particular piece of information. The new system will make searching, sorting, finding, analyzing, and presenting various data much easier. Of course, it will have pros and cons, and some people will pine for the good old system.

Pros:

Access to Data. I'll be able to manipulate, search, sort, and analyze like never before.

Time Savings. Many of the things I do today require multiple steps, and sometimes I have to use multiple applications. Most of these functions are built into the new system.

Polygonal Searching. The new system allows me to search by map, using my mouse to click my way in and around neighborhoods or along a diagonal border. Say goodbye to often-useless rectangle search borders!

Cons:

Ease of Use. I don't think many of my competitors had the ability or desire to get everything possible out of our current MLS system. Now that a lot of that functionality will be only a few clicks away, more of the less tech-savvy Realtors are going to be able to figure it out.

Learning Curve. It looks like I'm going to be spending a lot of time over the next couple of weeks learning all the ins and outs of the new system... Oh well, at least it gives me something to do. ;-)

Site Changes

January 1, 2009 - merged ButterHomes with NorthPhoenixAgent to become ThePhoenixAgents.

October 1, 2012 - moved from wordpress to blogger.

Although I am very happy with the site's current form and function (and wish I had never left blogger in the first place), I lost a great deal of formatting and images through the changes. I apologize if you're reading an older post that doesn't look right or is missing a picture...